one-of-us.php?page=all

one-of-us.php?page=all

9/17/2013

link

http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/essays/one-of-us.php?page=all

summary

This essay from Lapham's Quarterly examines the concept of "otherness" and the societal tendency to categorize individuals as either insiders or outsiders. The author delves into history, literature, and personal experiences to explore the ways in which people have been labeled and ostracized throughout time. The essay discusses the detrimental effects of othering, including the perpetuation of stereotypes and prejudice. It calls for a rejection of such categorizations and a recognition of our shared humanity. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in order to bridge the divide between "us" and "them" and create a more inclusive society.

tags

identity ꞏ individualism ꞏ society ꞏ conformity ꞏ belonging ꞏ community ꞏ marginalized ꞏ outcasts ꞏ social norms ꞏ acceptance ꞏ human behavior ꞏ social psychology ꞏ group dynamics ꞏ social exclusion ꞏ social inclusion ꞏ cultural assimilation ꞏ social identity ꞏ social interaction ꞏ social cohesion ꞏ social boundaries ꞏ social conformity ꞏ social hierarchy ꞏ socialization ꞏ societal expectations ꞏ social unity ꞏ social justice ꞏ social order ꞏ social relationships ꞏ societal values ꞏ social change ꞏ subcultures ꞏ counterculture ꞏ cultural diversity ꞏ cultural norms ꞏ cultural heritage ꞏ cultural expressions ꞏ cultural identity ꞏ cultural anthropology ꞏ cultural evolution ꞏ cultural values ꞏ cultural understanding ꞏ cultural integration ꞏ cultural boundaries ꞏ cultural significance ꞏ sociology ꞏ human nature ꞏ cultural theory